Clove / Dingxiang
Clove, a spice derived from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, is renowned for its sweet and warm properties. This versatile herb is commonly used in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits. Clove is known to warm the stomach and kidneys, making it effective in alleviating conditions such as cold stomach, swelling pain, hiccups, vomiting, diarrhea, impediment, colic, halitosis, and toothache. Its unique flavor and medicinal qualities make it a popular choice for both culinary and therapeutic applications.
Chinese Name | 丁香 |
Chinese Pinyin | Dingxiang |
English Name | Clove |
Latin Pharmaceutical Name | Caryophylli Flos |
Category | Flowers |
Origin | The dried flower bud of Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.(Myrtaceae). |
Production Regions | Primarily produced in Zanzibar Island of Tanzania, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia. In China, it has been introduced into cultivation in the provinces of Hainan and Guangdong. |
Macroscopic Features | Slightly appears short-pestle-shape, 1.5~2cm; reddish-brown to dark brown; lower portion is slightly flat cylindrical calyx tube, 1~1.3cm long, 5mm wide, 3mm thick; base is gradually narrow, rough, diffuses oil when carving; calyx tube has 4 triangular sepals separated in across shape; upper portion is nearly globe-shaped, 6mm diameter, with 4 petals embracing each other. After cutting the bud, numerous stamens can be seen, filament curve towards the center, center has one thick strong and erect style; firm and heavy texture, sinks when put into water; fractured surface is oily, diffuses oil out when cut by nails; intensely aromatic odor; acrid taste. |
Quality Requirements | Superior medicinal material is large, thick and strong, fresh purple-brown, with intensely aromatic odor and oily. |
Properties | Sweet; warm. |
Functions | Warms stomach, warms kidney. Apply to cold stomach and swelling pain, hiccup, vomiting and diarrhea, impediment, colic, ozostomia, toothache. |
